. >>> the first of three presidential debates is tonight where governor romney and president obama will stand on the same stage for the first time in eight years. >> romney said he would consider tax deductions for health care costs. melanie alnwick is live at the white house with the latest. >> reporter: good morning. more than other million people are expected to tune in tonight to watch the verbal sparring. the debate expected to focus heavily on economic issues. governor romney's message will be that the country can't afford four more years of the obama administration and president obama's message will be that the country is far better off with his policies than it would have otherwise been and he needs four more years to finish the job. ish th final prep rigs are under way in denver for the first presidential debate. the showdown between president obama and governor mitt romney will take place at the university of denver. now, unlike debates in the past, this one will be a little different. the 90 minute format will be divided into six 15-minute discussions. ors believe that will h